Each year our council member allocates $ 1 million of his capital budget to be spent according to his constituents’ wishes. This is called participatory budgeting . 2018 is no exception but you have only one day left to cast your vote.

In the last 2 years, 200 trees were installed as part of this process, and this year there is an opportunity to vote for tree guards, which are expensive to procure but critical to keep the trees alive.

On April 3rd over 60 people gathered at the Metro Baptist Church to hear about HKSC proposed plan to help undo the damage and disfiguring scars left by the many open air cuts that were created to allow for the Lincoln Tunnel entrances and exits in Hell’s Kitchen South.

Congressman Jerry Nadler spoke to assure all that we won the battle against the use of eminent domain by the Port Authority. He is now ready to help us with the next phase to improve air quality and make sure that most buses – if not all- use ramps and not streets to access the terminal.

The plan addresses nine sites owned by the Port Authority. While respecting the current zoning, it provides green spaces, residential with 30% affordable, some commercial and affordable local retail on certain side streets . This plans requires building platforms over the Dyer Avenue cuts to create developable land. See the full plan.

The community gave over 150 comments as feedback. On April 12 , this conceptual plan was presented to CB4′s Clinton – Hell’s Kitchen Land Use committee which expressed its support. A letter will be voted on at the next full board .

The rhythm and quality of CB4 interaction with the Port Authority is a sea change from previous years. It is clear that the PA executives in charge are ready and anxious to proceed with the project. See some of the key dates for yourself:

Last week, hundreds rallied in front of Governor Cuomo’s New York office to ask for better transit and to pass congestion pricing now! Our neighborhood could be one of the biggest winner from Congestion Pricing: Less cars, Less gridlock , less idling , less emissions.

But you need to act NOW for Governor Cuomo to include Congestion pricing in the budget that is being discussed this coming week. Please share with your lists, facebook, twitter. and SIGN THE PETITION